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About Rugby
Rugby is a game that is played in over 120 countries throughout the world. Much of its value comes from its rich history, traditions, camaraderie and community involvement with the sport.
Children as young as six greatly enjoy rugby through non-contact versions of the game. The modified versions of Rugby in Australia, created for safety and pathway development include: Walla rugby (7-8 yrs), Mini rugby (9-10yrs) and Midi rugby (11-12 yrs).
Women's rugby is also very popular at clubs and schools while many men continue to play on well into their adult years. Rugby is played both as a 15-a-side game, and is also very popular as seven-a-side. Other lesser-played versions are ten-a-side and touch rugby, where no tackling is allowed.
The object of the game is that two teams of fifteen players each, should score as many points as possible, by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball with the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner of the match. It is classified as an 'end zone invasion game'. The aim of each team is to gain possession of the ball, take it into opposition territory and to place it in the in-goal area (end zone).
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A Simple Guide to Rugby
Rugby is a continuous game whereby two teams carry, pass, kick and ground the ball in order to score as many points as possible, with the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner.
In Senior rugby (and under 19s), 15 people play at a time per side, each of which have specific duties as a player. Players are usually talked about in respect to two categories. Members of the first group are called the forwards, or the pack, and consist of the first eight players. Members of the second group are called the backs, and consist of the remaining players, numbered 9 to fifteen.
If a player is tackled to the ground they must release the ball, which usually results in a ruck. If a player is held while standing, a maul will usually be formed. The purpose of the ruck or maul is so that the game can continue without any stoppage in play.
The line-out and scrum are two key distinguishing factors to the game of Rugby Union. A scrum occurs when there is an accidental infringement and a line-out occurs when the ball goes out of bounds. Both of these are methods of restarting the game.
A try is scored when a player places the ball in the opposition's in-goal area. It is counted as 5 points and can be converted to an additional 2 points with a successful place kick or drop kick. Points may also be awarded from a drop kick in general play and a penalty kick. Both are worth 3 points.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the questions most commonly asked about Rugby Union.
What if I (or my child) has never played Rugby before?
Rugby requires specific skills just like any other sport. In fact, some of our best Rugby players started playing other sports first and then converted to Rugby. Skills learnt in any other sports will help you learn basic Rugby skills and will allow you to quickly adapt to the new game.
For the child aged 5 – 12 years, there is a Junior Player Pathway that allows them to be gradually introduced to the game of Rugby. The pathway has been developed to suit the development stages of each age group and is the foundation of many school and club based participation programs such as TryRugby and the EdRugby Walla Challenge.
When should my child start playing Rugby?
Your child can begin playing Rugby after the age of 5 years, through the Junior Player Pathway. Many players also start Rugby at an older age – even Wallaby Chris Latham didn’t start playing Rugby until he was 18!
I thought you had to be big to play Rugby?
No. Rugby requires many varied body shapes and sizes to play the game. From shorter, strong front rowers to tall, far reaching second rowers and to fast, nimble outside backs, there is a crucial position for everyone in Rugby.
Rugby is however, a contact sport. It is therefore critical that correct tackling techniques are learnt by all players, so that all shapes and sizes coming into contact with each other can tackle in a safe and correct manner. The ARU’s national SmartRugby program aims to minimise the risk of injury by teaching coaches and referees best practice techniques in the contact elements of the game.
What gear will my child need before they play the game?
Mouth guards and football boots are the major requirements for players involved in a Rugby game with a tackle component. Additional padding includes shoulder pads and head gear which are optional. All shoulder pads and head gear must abide by the IRB regulations.
Additional padding can be purchased at the SA Rugby Office through Richard Wasley, KooGa Sales Representative, 0410 434 224.
Can boys and girls play together?
Yes. Boys and girls can participate in mixed gender teams up to and including the calendar year (1 January – 31 December) in which they turn 12 years of age. After that, the physical differences prohibit mixed teams, so girls continue to play in girls-only competitions.
Can my child play in an older age-group with his brother/friends?
Players are encouraged to play with players of their own age. As this is not always possible, players are permitted to play one grade above their age, under the Two-Year Window policy. For example, a player participating in an Under 12 competition should be turning 11 or 12 years of age during the calendar year.
I want to be more involved in my child’s Rugby. How can I become a coach or referee?
Make contact with your local club secretary or the SA Rugby Union Referees Association. For Club contact details, click here. For SA Rugby Union Referees Contacts, click here.
You can also contact your State Union for advice on coaching and refereeing courses including the one-day Foundation course that combines elements of both coaching and refereeing and is ideal for parents wanting to play a more active role in their children’s sport.
There are also many other opportunities to volunteer your services in school and club Rugby programs.
Why do I need to register my child?
Registration gives participants access to the ARU Insurance Scheme, provides the ARU and State Unions with valuable information on who is playing the game and enables the organisation of competitions and the development of Rugby nationally.
All Rugby participants including players, coaches, administrators and referees are required to complete the ARU membership form which is available from your club.
Each participant will be subsequently registered by the Club’s registrar on the ARU database, MyRugbyAdmin.
Who makes the laws of the game?
The International Rugby Board (IRB) is the governing body that makes the laws of the game. The IRB accepts submissions for law changes from all member unions, of which Australia is one.